💼 What is the ASUS ROG Ally X?
The ROG Ally X is ASUS’s refined take on its original Ally handheld PC. Unveiled mid-2025, it retains Windows 11 compatibility, the Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU, and now features:
A bigger 80 Wh battery
24 GB LPDDR5X RAM
Dual USB-C ports
More ergonomic, durable design
This makes it a top-tier choice for gamers who want full PC capability in a portable form.
📦 Unboxing & Design
Right out of the box, it’s clear ASUS listened to user feedback. The Ally X ditches the white glossy shell for a more subtle matte black chassis, and the new grips feel great for long play sessions.
Alt text: ROG Ally X handheld gaming PC on desk with RGB keyboard in background.
⚙️ Performance Benchmarks (2025 Games)
We tested across recent titles:
| Game | Settings | Avg FPS |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 (RT Medium) | 1080p FSR On | 45–60 |
| Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree | High, 1080p | 55 |
| Hades II | Ultra, 1080p | 120+ |
| Baldur’s Gate 3 | High, 720p | 60 |
With the Z1 Extreme chip, you’re essentially getting Steam Deck OLED performance—but on Windows, which unlocks Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, and more.
🔋 Battery Life & Heat
With the 80 Wh battery, expect:
4–6 hours of average gameplay
Up to 8–9 hours for lighter indie games or media playback
Thermals are well-managed thanks to redesigned airflow and quieter fans
Alt text: ASUS ROG Ally X battery life test while gaming
🧰 Usability (Windows 11)
Windows gives you freedom but can feel clunky in handheld mode.
Thankfully, ASUS Armoury Crate SE 1.5 adds real quality-of-life improvements, like:
Game library overlays
Power profiles
Control remapping
Still, SteamOS fans may find the experience less “console-like” than on a Steam Deck.
🆚 Steam Deck OLED vs ROG Ally X
| Feature | Steam Deck OLED | ROG Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| OS | SteamOS | Windows 11 |
| APU | AMD APU 15 W | Ryzen Z1 Extreme |
| Display | 7.4” OLED 90Hz | 7” IPS 120Hz |
| RAM | 16 GB | 24 GB |
| Battery | 50 Wh | 80 Wh |
| Price (USD) | $549–$649 | $799–$899 |
If you’re looking for more raw power and Windows flexibility, the Ally X wins. But for plug-and-play gaming, Steam Deck is still king.
🛠 Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Great 1080p performance | Windows still clunky for handhelds |
| Better battery than previous Ally | Higher price than Steam Deck |
| Dual USB-C ports = docking freedom | Gets warm under sustained load |
| More RAM = smoother multitasking | No OLED screen (IPS only) |
🏁 Final Verdict: 9/10
If you want a Windows handheld PC with top-tier power, excellent battery life, and full compatibility with modern AAA games and platforms—the ASUS ROG Ally X delivers.
However, if you prioritize ease of use, plug-and-play gaming, or prefer the Steam ecosystem, a Steam Deck OLED might still offer better overall value.
💬 Your Turn!
Would you choose the ROG Ally X over the Steam Deck OLED in 2025? Tell us in the comments—or vote in our handheld gaming poll below!
